Event Details
Youth Fishing Event and Community Festival
Saturday, May 30th, 2026
Lake Harriet Bandshell
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Here's what to expect on May 30 at the Lake Harriet Bandshell:
1 pm: Fishing for Fletcher kicks off
2 pm: Kids-first fishing experience starts
1-5 pm: Activities and entertainment for all ages, with food and beverages available for purchase throughout the afternoon, and a silent auction with some amazing items!
4 pm: Kids-first fishing experience finishes up
5-6 pm: Intermission
6 pm: Concert area officially opens
7:30 pm: Hurricane Blaze takes the stage for Music in the Parks
What is Fishing for Fletcher?
Fishing for Fletcher is an annual youth fishing event and community festival in Minneapolis honoring Fletcher Merkel, an 8-year-old Annunciation Catholic School student who was tragically taken in August 2025. The event celebrates Fletcher’s love of fishing, family, and the community he was part of.
When and where is the event?
Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Lake Harriet Bandshell in Minneapolis.
Do I need fishing experience to participate?
No experience is needed. The kids-first fishing experience is open to all skill levels. Just register in advance through the website. Sorry, 2026 registration is full but you can still come out and enjoy the remaining festivities!
Will there be other activities besides fishing at the event?
Yes! This day is about much more than fishing, it’s about doing things that Fletcher loved. There will be inflatable obstacle courses, games, balloon, caricature, henna, and face painting artists, National Park Service, and much more!
Who does Fishing for Fletcher benefit?
Proceeds support tuition assistance at Annunciation Catholic School, ensuring every kid who belongs at Annunciation can be there. Donations are administered through the Fletcher Merkel Memorial Endowment Fund at the Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota.
How can I help?
You can register a child to fish, volunteer at the event, donate to the Fletcher Merkel Memorial Endowment Fund, or share Fishing for Fletcher with your community.